Proving Your Points! Developing Strong Body Paragraphs Body Introduction Conclusion

Literary Analysis—in general Purpose: to present and prove an argument Argument presented in your thesis (essay) or topic sentence (paragraph) Audience: your readers Adults/young adults who are familiar with the text you are analyzing Details: textual evidence to prove your argument Direct quotations Paraphrases Summaries (of long passages)

Components Topic sentence States clearly the main point to develop/prove Body Presents all of the details in a coherent order that develop/ prove/support the main point Conclusion Wraps up point and transitions to the next point/body paragraph Introduction Conclusion Body

The Topic Sentence of the Body Paragraph (Introduction) What’s the point I’m going to develop in this particular paragraph? One point only per paragraph! You may use as many paragraphs as you need to develop different aspects of this point, but you may not develop more than one point per paragraph.

Context for Example Topic & purpose of essay: to analyze the text of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech and show how his use of literary and rhetorical devices greatly enhances his message. The topic of this sample body paragraph: King’s use of metaphor Use specific textual details NOT simply to identify the metaphors

The Topic Sentence State point clearly and concisely. Present point of analysis or argument in topic sentence, avoiding vague generalities. Example: Weak: King uses metaphors throughout his speech. Strong: King’s initial metaphors conjure up? (not right—diction connotes witchcraft) paint? (nah—not powerful enough—I want the idea of resurrecting memories..... that’s it!) resurrect images of slavery before his audience’s eyes.

The Body of the Body Paragraph What specific details will I use to prove, illustrate, define, describe, (etc.) my point? You must think like a lawyer: the burden of proof is on you!

The Body Use specific details to prove your point. Topic sentence: King’s initial metaphors resurrect images of slavery before his audience’s eyes. Details: “This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice.” “One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.”

Notes on Using Details Use only that part of the quotation that is particularly apt. apt: suited to the purpose or occasion; appropriate. Incorporate quoted passages seamlessly into your own writing. Introduce quotations with apt words and phrases—build a wide repertoire from which to choose. Avoid stringing one quoted passage after another. Practice Time!

Body Paragraph Parts: The Conclusion “The Big So What!” What conclusion can I draw from the point I stated and the support I used to prove it?

The Conclusion Drive your point all the way home, and park it in “The Big So What?” garage. Conclude with an astute analysis of the point and supporting textual evidence. Tie point analysis back to the overriding thesis and its effects on the work as a whole. Be concise! Consider your audience. Don’t belabor the point (don’t over-explain).